Music fest highlights Silk Route sufi links to India

Beginning on February 6 with performances by Pinana brothers group from Spain, Azerbaijan's Mugam group as well as Sidi Goma group from Gujarat, the music festival is part of the third International Sufi Festival, organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Linking up Europe, India, Middle East with Central Asia. on the Silk Route, Sufism today is a global phenomenon that transcends religion.

The 'Ghazal Sufi Ensemble' from Iran has been pegged as a major attraction. The troupe, formed in 2010 by Sahar Lotfi and Maryam Gharasou, represents the Sufi tradition of Iran, which dates back to as early as the pre-Islamic times, when it derived extensive recognition in Persian literary works.

 

"ICCR's support to the international sufi festival is in continuation of its support last year with firm conviction that Sufi tenets have originated even before the advent of Islam with their roots in gypsy traditions and have been closer to nature without influence from any narrow beliefs," said Suresh K. Goel, director-general, ICCR.

"The Sidhi Goma group from Gujarat has its origin in the vibrant rhythms of Africa while the bowl music of West Bengal finds resonance in nomadic traditions with Hinduism at its centre," he said.

The 'Mechket' group from Tunisia representing the traditional Tunisian Sufi music offers an opportunity for the public to enjoy the Bizertin Inchad Sufi in a modern perspective.

Russian band Ottava Yo, formed in 2005 offers a musical mixture of Russian folk, punk, rock, film and cartoon soundtracks. Flamenco guitar and voice by Curro and Carlos Pinana from Spain offers a mystical journey into the depths of Flamenco, a culture whose moving spirit is music.

Azerbaijan's Mugam music, which dates back to ancient times, requires refined skills and a high degree of emotional dedication. The Azerbaijanian Mugam started to attract the attention of listeners beyond the circle of devoted connoisseurs.

Indira Naik, a well known Indian artist, whose voice has enthralled audiences all over the world, will also be performing at the festival.

Bauls and Fakirs from Nadia, who believe that all men are equal, will present Baul and Fakiri songs and Bangla Qawwali.

Along with them, the Nirgun singers from Bihar will join with their songs which also talk of formless God, rising above social divides and universal love and brotherhood through couplets of Kabir.

"The baul music of West Bengal finds resonance in nomadic traditions with Hinduism at its centre," says Dr. Suresh K Goel.